Benefits of swimming and lifeguard

Swimming and lifeguard classes near me  is not only great fun to do, it also brings a number of benefits. The great thing about swimming is that you can do it in your own way and at your own pace. I think that's great! You choose the swimming and lifeguard stroke and how long you will swim.

Training all muscle groups

Swimming is anything but a quiet activity. If you don't tense your muscles in the water, you will sink to the bottom like an anchor. It is a full-body workout that trains your arms, legs and core. Because to stay horizontal in the water, you have to constantly tighten your torso. It's time to pop those abs! 

Improving lung capacity and breathing

Swimming and lifeguard is the secret formula for strong lungs. Lung capacity and breathing improve because the lungs are challenged to take in more oxygen during swimming. They have to work like crazy to transport oxygen to the muscles.

This ensures a larger lung capacity and a strengthening of the respiratory muscles. You will immediately notice this from your condition on the bike, which will receive a significant boost.

Training in case of injuries or muscle and joint pain

Do you have an injury or muscle and joint pain that makes cycling difficult or painful? Don't worry, swimming and lifeguard is the solution during your recovery. In the water you are as light as a feather, so you don't have to worry about overloading joints or muscles. By swimming you stay fit, you keep your lungs in shape and you keep training your whole body.

Improving Mood

Believe it or not, swimming is a panacea for a bad mood. Endorphins and serotonin are produced during swimming and lifeguard. These happiness hormones give your mood a boost. So, are you having a bad day? Put on your swimsuit and dive into that bucket of water full of happiness!

Reducing stress and tension

Like cycling, swimming is a rhythmic activity. The movement of swimming repeats itself in a certain pattern and this ensures calming of the nervous system. The rhythm has a relaxing effect on the nervous system, which contributes to the reduction of stress and tension. 

Fighting for better times

Swimming and lifeguard is my main sport and I enjoy cycling alongside it. Well, besides... I try to combine my swimming and lifeguard training with cycling once or twice a week. This feels like a good balance to me where I also enjoy sports in the open air.

I train twice a week at ZPC Livo (the swimming club in Lichtenvoorde) and swim a competition a few times a year. I love to compare my swimming and lifeguard times with those of a few years ago, when I swam all my personal bests. It's a race against the clock. Fighting for better times, so to speak.

As I said, cycling is a complement to swimming for me. For many cyclists this will be the other way around. I recommend experimenting with the combination of cycling and swimming. See what works best for you. Add variety to your routine, add some swimming to your cycling schedule and experience the benefits. 

Learn to swim better

Are you convinced to go swimming and lifeguard next to cycling, just like me, but are you still unsure about your swimming skills? No worries, with the right motivation and perseverance you can make your swimming adventure a success.

Check YouTube for tips and tricks to perfect your technique. Or sign up for a front crawl course at the local swimming pool if you really want to get serious. Then once you're done, you'll see that even Ranomi Kromowidjojo is jealous of your swimming style!

Looking for a good swimming coach? Look no further than Suzanne Brummel 's book 'Swim'  . This book will guide you through the world of swimming and help you learn better, faster and more effective swimming techniques.

There are also swimming training courses that are suitable for both beginners and advanced swimmers. Besides being Dutch swimming champion, Suzanne is also a real cyclist. I asked her why swimming is such an important addition to her training process:

Suzanne

“Swimming is the ideal recovery training after cycling. Your blood flow gets going and the recovery is faster than if you do nothing all day.

All this while the impact on your body is nil. No pressure on muscles, joints and tendons because you are weightless in the water. There is a reason for the concept of 'loose swimming'.”